Things You'll Need
Respirator mask
Rubber gloves
Disposable paper coveralls
Safety goggles
Non-methylene chloride paint stripper
Plastic paint tray
Paint brush
Plastic paint scraper
Paper towels
Trashcan lined with trash bag
Lacquer thinner
Small plastic container
Rag
Lead was used in paint for many years. Exposure to lead -- including lead based paint -- can cause kidney damage, delayed development and nervous system damage in small children. Lead can also cause serious problems with both men's and woman's reproduction systems. It was not until 1977 that the United States government banned the use of lead in paint. There are varieties of methods to removing paint from a metal object. However, since the paint contains lead you will need to find the method that will not simultaneously release the lead into the air.
Step 1
Move the metal item outside if possible. If not, open doors and windows in the area you will be working.
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Step 2
Wear a respirator mask. This will keep you from inhaling the lead dust. Put on a pair of rubber gloves, disposable paper coveralls, and safety goggles.
Step 3
Pour a non-methylene chloride paint stripper into a plastic paint tray. Dip a paintbrush into the stripper and brush the chemical paint stripper onto the metal item. Be sure to apply a thick coat of the stripper to the metal.
Step 4
Allow the paint stripper to sit for the predetermined time frame. Each type and brand of paint stripper will have a specific time frame that must be observed for the chemical to work correctly. Refer to your specific paint stripper's direction for more information.
Step 5
Scrape the chemical stripper and lead paint off the metal with a plastic paint scraper. After each pass, wipe the scraper clean with paper towels. Discard the stripper, paint and paper towels into a trashcan.
Step 6
Pour lacquer thinner into a small plastic container. Saturate a rag in the lacquer thinner. Wipe the metal with the rag to remove any oils from the metal. This step is necessary if you are planning on repainting the metal item.
Warning
Children and pregnant women should not help remove lead paint, or even be in the same area as the lead paint removal process.
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